Gunpla Build - Master Grade Gundam Ground Type (Flavor Text)

Time to look at some of the flavor text from the Ground Type’s instruction booklet. As always, this is a machine translation that I’ve done my best to clean up when necessary. Since it’s a machine translation, I advise you to take everything in it with a grain of salt.

General Info

This section is the general overview of the mobile suit:

Prior to the outbreak of the One Year War, the upper echelons of the Earth Federation Forces did not believe that the Principality of Zeon sought a military confrontation. However, a select group of military leaders — having received intelligence indicating that the Principality Forces were developing new weaponry —d evised a series of countermeasures, including projects focused on both new weapon development and intelligence-gathering operations. This initiative came to be known as the "RX Plan."

The objective of this plan was to implement every conceivable measure to counter the "large humanoid mobile weapons" of the Principality Forces - entities that had been the subject of sporadic reports since U.C. 0076. Consequently, utilizing eyewitness accounts and evidence gathered by individuals and garrison units stationed in various colonies, the Federation conducted simulations premised on the actual existence of these weapons — which were rumored to possess capabilities such as bipedal locomotion and manipulator arms. Based on these findings, fundamental research was advanced with the aim of developing weapons possessing capabilities equal to or superior to those of the enemy, as well as formulating effective countermeasures.

In reality, it is said that various plans were being drafted—based on intelligence brought by engineers who had defected from the Principality — even before the RX Plan itself began to take concrete shape; however, the specific details remain unclear. In any case—partly to serve as a camouflage for such clandestine activities—the existing military - industrial complex was brought in to participate in this initiative. While several ongoing weapons development projects dating back years were incorporated into the scheme, the Federal Forces — tasked with overseeing the entire operation — lacked a defined policy. Consequently, in the absence of any firm strategic or tactical guidelines, preliminary proposals — which could even be described as disjointed — began to pile up.

After the outbreak of the One Year War and the subsequent shift in the balance of power, "Operation V" was formulated and implemented. This operation integrated the various projects linked to the RX Plan, establishing a parallel development track for both high-performance mobile suits and the capital ships required to serve as their carriers. Initially, the mass-production plan for the GM mobile suit aimed to achieve specifications comparable to those of the RX-78 model; however, following a decision to drastically increase the procurement volume in response to the evolving battlefield situation, the plan was revised to prioritize mass production with the lowest possible unit cost. Based on these premises, the RGM-79 GM emerged as — so to speak — a cost-reduced mobile suit.

The RX-79(G) — the so-called "Ground Type Gundam" — was one of the units produced as an advanced prototype during the very earliest stages of the Mobile Suit Mass Production Plan. Because this unit was produced on an experimental mass-production basis *before* operational data could be collected from the RX-78 (which had been under development since the previous fiscal year with the aim of becoming the ultimate mobile suit), it utilizes the RGM-79(G) GM (where "G" stands for "Ground Type") as its base, a unit typically capable of operating only within a somewhat limited range of environments. Nevertheless, thanks to a variety of optional equipment, the RX-79(G) was designed to be adaptable to virtually any combat scenario. In particular, the G-type was designed from the outset to omit equipment intended for space combat; consequently, the airframe was significantly lightened. Furthermore, materials — such as armor plating — dating from the period prior to the commencement of full-scale mass production were utilized in its construction. The result is a high-performance mobile suit — one so capable, in fact, that its specifications under standard gravity are said to rival those of the RX-78.

Within the Federation Forces' ground units, the deployment of Mobile Suit squads prior to the Odessa Operation was largely concentrated in regions bordering territories that had been encroached upon during the Principality Forces' Earth Drop Operations. Specifically, these units were prioritized for deployment to front lines where concerns were highest—namely, those involving various resource deposits, industrial facilities, or the potential expansion of enemy-controlled territories.

Yes, yes, I know there are a ton of em dashes in there. My apologies. I’m not sure if that means we should treat the translation with even more scrutiny.

One day maybe I’ll finally learn to translate this stuff myself so I can avoid this problem.

Anyway, the most interesting takeaway from this section is the claim that the Gundam Ground Type is in fact based on the GM Ground Type, and not the other way around.

Head

Now we start getting into the sections that go into greater detail about the individual components of the mobile suit, starting with the head:

The head of the RX-79(G) exhibits the characteristic features of a Gundam-type Mobile Suit, fundamentally comprising a main camera unit situated at the crown and a pair of dual cameras. While it is true that many parts were repurposed from existing designs, the majority of the internal components were newly engineered.

While the main computer of the RX-78 was housed within the Core Fighter — with the head unit functioning merely as a secondary co-processor frame — the mainframe of the RX-79(G) is distributed across the head and the area surrounding the cockpit. This design choice was partly necessitated by the difficulty of mass-producing full-spec learning computers; however, in practical terms, such high-end specifications were deemed excessive for a unit specialized exclusively for ground combat, and the system was even "detuned" to ensure operational stability.

Nevertheless, the unit does incorporate genuine components from the RX-78 series — such as the stepless directional antenna manufactured by Suzu Company, and communication and acoustic systems produced by Matsum Sonic — and has been further enhanced to meet frontline demands through improvements to its communication capabilities and close-quarters combat performance. The head unit itself also features various configurations, including standard models, antenna-equipped models, and models fitted with Vulcan cannons. However, due to issues regarding resupply and logistics, the replacement or upgrading of parts could not always be carried out as desired; consequently, damage sustained in combat was sometimes addressed by repurposing components from RGM-series units.

My key takeaway from this blurb is that it’s a reminder that the RX series was more than just the Grandaddy Gundam we all know and love. There were other units, and if you want to include Gundam: The Origin in your headcannon, then there were additional units that were used to test very specific weapons and capabilities.

So when we say the Ground Type uses Gundam parts, that may include parts from other RX mobile suits.

Torso

A defining characteristic of the RX-79(G) lies in the structure and layout of its control systems — most notably the cockpit — as well as its main power reactor. This design approach stems from fundamental differences in the tactical doctrines under which the unit is deployed—differences that are also reflected in the functionality and construction of its backpack unit. Although the RX-79(G) Gundam was developed with the mass-production of the so-called "RX-78 Gundam" as its guiding benchmark, its actual structural design underwent extensive modifications. The list of changes is virtually endless: ranging from the omission of the Core Block System to alterations in the specifications and placement of the cockpit and main generator, as well as the addition of new weaponry such as the Multi-Launcher.

These modifications were not driven primarily by concerns regarding manufacturing efficiency; rather, they were derived from simulations based on two key premises: the assumption that the unit would be operated under standard gravitational conditions, and the specific operational priorities assigned to its intended deployment zones. Based on the practical field experience accumulated by ground combat units, this Mobile Suit — originally structured with the fundamental premise of operation in the vacuum of space — underwent a radical overhaul.

This included the implementation of auxiliary equipment to facilitate pilot ingress and egress, as well as the establishment of maintenance protocols that obviated the need for extensive facilities. In contrast to the so-called "Standard GM" — mass-produced during the latter stages of the war and featuring a structural design derived from the RX-78 Gundam through drastic cost-cutting measures — this particular unit incorporates modifications to its very foundational design, specifically engineered to anticipate and accommodate operations within a terrestrial environment.

Interesting stuff (assuming any of it is true). The Ground Type is generally described as being a frankenmachine that was cobbled together in a slapdash manner. This blurb contradicts that, suggesting that there was actually a lot of intentionality in its design, in order to make it ideal for Earth-based combat.

Arms

The arm units of a Mobile Suit serve as versatile manipulators that vastly expand the range of available weaponry, while also functioning — in a broader sense — as hardpoints. The arms of the RX-79(G) model, in particular, feature extensive sealing to ensure reliable operation within the Earth's atmospheric environment.

During the development of the RX-79(G), military authorities placed a strong emphasis on operational reliability and ease of maintenance. Federally manufactured Mobile Suits—which typically utilized field motors as their primary actuators—inherently boasted greater reliability in their control and power transmission systems compared to the pulse-motor-driven units of the Principality.

Furthermore, thanks to the modular block construction of their various components, these units effectively functioned as operational fail-safes. However, as a trade-off for this design, the units themselves tended to be structurally delicate; consequently, the standard protocol for damaged sections was to replace the entire unit rather than attempting to repair individual parts.

Such was the situation. However — particularly on the actual front lines, and even more so regarding a brand-new weapon system that had only just entered combat — it was simply impossible to have an abundant supply of maintenance parts readily available. Consequently, the shortage of spare parts was a foreseeable reality for the ground combat units.

To address this, the so-called "pre-production prototype" was designed with a specific modification: its various component units were subdivided as finely as possible. Furthermore, sections anticipated to suffer heavy wear and tear were redesigned to allow for field repairs on-site.

Such measures were considered common sense for any mechanized unit deployed to battlefronts situated in tropical or subtropical climates—environments characterized by rapid sand erosion and lush, overgrown vegetation. And the machine that successfully embodied this design philosophy was this very unit.

If I’m reading this correctly, it suggests that early mobile suits from the One Year War era sometimes had trouble transmitting power and other signals to their limbs, and that the Ground Type made certain changes to improve reliability. That lack of reliability is something I wish we could have seen depicted on-screen, though I can understand why it never happened.

Legs

In terrestrial environments, the leg units of a Mobile Suit serve as a particularly critical component — yet, simultaneously, they are the parts subjected to the most grueling stress. This was especially true for the Ground Combat Type Gundam, which was specifically envisioned to operate as a weapon system intended to replace conventional military vehicles.

While the Mobile Suit certainly represented a revolutionary departure from existing weapon systems, it was rare for them to be fully integrated into — or to fundamentally alter — the realms of logistics or frontline sustainment itself. This was particularly evident in ground warfare, where the influence of terrain and climate remained significant; consequently, the imperative to adhere to established tactical doctrines remained a substantial factor.

Nevertheless, it is undeniable that the Mobile Suit, as a combat weapon, fundamentally transformed the very nature of the battlefield. Possessing cross-country mobility far superior to that of armored fighting vehicles—and serving as a weapon capable of independently transporting its own combat capabilities—the Mobile Suit represented a concept that had been utterly inconceivable until that time.

The leg units — the components responsible for providing mobility—constitute the single most critical system for a Mobile Suit. In the case of the RX-79(G) in particular, the leg units embody a concentration of design features specifically optimized for ground combat operations. Spikes designed to facilitate close-quarters combat have been added to the knee armor; furthermore, the lower sections — which in the prototype RX-78 model housed components such as co-generators, propellant tanks, and vernier thrusters — have been repurposed to accommodate high-capacity capacitors and beam saber racks, resulting in a structural design characterized by exceptional density and compactness.

Additionally, the units feature a dust-resistant construction designed to prevent the ingress of sand and debris, and are engineered with maintenance efficiency in mind, allowing for servicing to be performed by a minimal crew. Indeed, it is said that even major overhaul tasks—such as those involving the soles of the feet, which are most susceptible to impact stress and metal fatigue—could be performed to a significant extent by the pilot alone.

This excerpt mentions the OG Gundam having verniers in its legs. I think they’re referring to the thrusters in its feet, because just as this blurb states, the Ground Type doesn’t have any down there.

Weapons

100mm MACHINE GUN

Standard equipment for Federation Forces Mobile Suits. Compact relative to its firepower, it is easy to handle and is widely issued—particularly to units deployed on Earth.

This is a classic Earth Federation weapon. While the Ground Type is hardly the only mobile suit to ever use it, nevertheless it is something I heavily associate with it.

BEAM RIFLE

Possessing firepower that surpasses that of conventional ballistic weaponry, this weapon has only recently been put into practical use; consequently, its deployment to combat units remains behind schedule, and—as supply quotas have yet to be met—it is currently regarded as a highly prized piece of equipment.

I adore the look of the Ground Type’s beam rifle. It looks so high tech, but it doesn’t have the kind of “space ray gun” look that the OG Gundam’s rifle (and to a lesser extent, the GM’s Beam Spray Gun) have.

180mm Cannon

A large-caliber weapon utilizing cartridge-loaded solid rounds. While it primarily employs shaped-charge rounds designed for anti-MS combat, it is also capable of firing other munitions, such as armor-piercing and napalm rounds.

By far the Ground Type’s most iconic weapon. We don’t often see One Year War era mobile suits use long guns like this, possibly because of the existence of specialized units like the Guntank and Guncannon. But that just makes this one all the more special.

Shield

This defensive equipment attaches to the shield's mounting latches; however, thanks to its movable joints, it can be repositioned for use in close-quarters combat—and can even serve as a projectile weapon.

Nowadays this is considered one of many standard types of Earth Federation shields, though if my memory serves me it was first seen in 08th MS Team. It’s another thing that I highly associate with this mobile suit.

Takeaways

My key takeaway from all this is that, yes, the Ground Type is a frankenmachine of sorts, but one that was designed to use the parts available so as to maximize its effectiveness in its particular combat environment(s). It’s a sort of on-the-fly creativity and ingenuity that the Earth Federation forces don’t really get a lot of credit for.

Other Thoughts

There are a few other thoughts I have on my mind, and I figured I aught to cover them now so they don’t get in the way of the build.

About the Beam Rifle

Fun fact - During 08th MS Team, it actually takes quite a while before we see any unit actually use a Beam Rifle. I scrubbed through some episodes of the show, and unless I missed something, it isn’t until Episode 6 that we catch our first glimpse of it:

Even then, it doesn’t immediately become a commonplace weapon among the crew, and they continue to rely heavily on the machine gun all the way until the end.

Other Weapons

This kit (as well as the High Grade version) comes with the Ground Type’s most common weapons, but there are a few less common ones that it also uses. Like these two bazookas:

If you’re interested in having these weapons in ¹⁄₁₀₀ scale, you’re in luck. Kinda. The one in the center is included with the Master Grade GM Ground Type, while the one in the foreground is included with the Master Grade EZ-8. So you can get them, but to quote the Cheat Commandos Bandai, you’ll have to “Buy all our playsets and toys”

About THAT pose

If you’ve seen the show, you know which one I’m talking about. If you haven’t seen the show, it’s this one:

This shot is from the show’s OP, and it is basically Gundam’s equivalent of The Dress. Some people think the Ground Type is resting the barrel of its cannon along the top rail of its shield. Others think that this is an optical illusion, and that the shield is closer to the foreground than the mobile suit is.

I used to be in the former category, but now am firmly in the latter, to the point where I think you’d have to be blind not to see it that way. If it were resting the gun along the railing while only slightly kneeling like that, then the shield would have to be absurdly tall.

But even if I’m right that it’s an optical illusion, there nevertheless has been Gundam merch that depicts it as if it is not, including Gunpla:

But the problem with trying to recreate this fake pose in real life is that it’s really hard to do. As I alluded to, if the shield is normal size, the mobile suit can’t easily bend that far down. You can do it with the High Grade model, but you really have to force the gun down and hope it stays there:

And even if you manage it, the joints will fight you and want to try and kick upward:

Also, notice that they had to add some extra functionality to the shield so it can rest like a tripod, because in the original image it’s actually just embedded into the ground. I have to admit that it’s kind of funny that they did all this work to replicate a pose that doesn’t actually exist. Is this a case where folks at Bandai were just as confused and mistaken about it as the fans? Or is this some sort of funny nod to years of fan confusion?

Whatever the case may be, when they designed the Master Grade model they didn’t quite have the technology to make this all work, so instead the model comes with this weird clippy thingy to make it “work”:

But it doesn’t really work. It looks ridiculous and defeats the purpose. But what do I know?

What Color is the Ground Type?

The Master Grade model is white out of the box. Like, straight white. Meanwhile the High Grade is a very light grey, and this Ver A.N.I.M.E. figurine (which, as a reminder, Ver A.N.I.M.E. is meant to be super anime accurate renditions of mobile suits) has it as a slightly darker grey:

This grey is closest to the color I imagine in my head when I think of the Ground Type, so that’s what I decided to aim for with this build. But as I’ll discuss further in the next post, it didn’t quite turn out that way. That doesn’t mean the paint job ended up bad, just a little bit different than intended.